Any negatives?

[ZumbaMumma]

I've read about all the positives to water birth...and it sounds wonderful and like something I would love to be able to do...but I'm just wondering if there are any possible negatives to a water birth? I know the hospital I am choosing to go with has the option for water birth, and it is something I am very seriously considering.

[mummyJ]

hmmmmm I cant think of anything...
I guess it might be in the circumstance that something is wrong???? But I'm sure they would be able to pick that up before hand.

[bookwormmum]

Hmm. I haven't had a waterbirth (yet!) but the only thing I can think of might be the icky water just after bub comes out! Although you'd probably be so focused on the baby it wouldn't even be noticed :)

[Ruby Sneakers]

Not 100% on this but infection????

I know most pregnancy books don't suggest baths after ur waters have broken in case of infection

Does anyone else know if that's a possibility????

[Livvey]

Hmm. I haven't had a waterbirth (yet!) but the only thing I can think of might be the icky water just after bub comes out! Although you'd probably be so focused on the baby it wouldn't even be noticed :)

Water was pretty clear after i had DS2, it only went bloody when i stood up to deliver the placenta.

I don't know any negatives for a water birth, i loved it :goodvibes:

[Bellini]

Op - I can't think of any negatives based on my own experience.


Hmm. I haven't had a waterbirth (yet!) but the only thing I can think of might be the icky water just after bub comes out! Although you'd probably be so focused on the baby it wouldn't even be noticed :)

My water stayed clear the entire time :) My midwife said the water almost always stays clear, and it's been the case with all waterbirth videos I have watched.


Not 100% on this but infection????

I know most pregnancy books don't suggest baths after ur waters have broken in case of infection

Does anyone else know if that's a possibility????

According to this (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16147851)study, no.



The duration of the first stage of labor was significantly shorter with a water birth than with a land delivery (380 vs. 468 minutes, P<0.01). The episiotomy rate in all water births was lower with a water birth than with a delivery in bed or a delivery on the birthing stool (0.38%, 23%, and 8.4%, respectively). The rate of perineal tears was similar (23%, respectively). There were no differences in the duration of the second stage (34 vs. 37 minutes), arterial cord blood pH, or postpartum maternal hemoglobin levels. No woman using the water birth method required analgesics. The rate of neonatal infection was also not increased with a water birth (1.22% vs. 2.64%, respectively).


I have also read other sources stating the risk is no higher, there are heaps of reliable sources on the net if you do a quick search.

[NonnyMouse]

There is one negative I can think of, and that is that for some women labouring in water is difficult due to the "floating" and inability to stay grounded. I personally find this a benefit, but I've read birth stories where the woman had to get out of the water to feel properly supported. Also, the water can slow things down, so you need to be prepared to hop out again for a while if that happens.

It can make monitoring and checking progress difficult, but that's a prob for the staff to get over, not the birthing mother. ;)

[GypsyFortuneTeller]

Hi OP - when I was labouring I found the waterbirthing bath I was in to make me feel uncomfortably too hot. The actual temp was correct but I was hot & it made me hotter. And I couldn't bear being resting on my back in the bath, & hands & knees I was just slipping around all uncomfortable.

But this was just my experience, & I wouldn't say it was negative - just not comfortable for me. Goodluck with your waterbirth - hope it works out well!

[GypsyFortuneTeller]

This was exactly what I experienced *nod nod*.
There is one negative I can think of, and that is that for some women labouring in water is difficult due to the "floating" and inability to stay grounded. I personally find this a benefit, but I've read birth stories where the woman had to get out of the water to feel properly supported. Also, the water can slow things down, so you need to be prepared to hop out again for a while if that happens.

It can make monitoring and checking progress difficult, but that's a prob for the staff to get over, not the birthing mother. ;)

[MothersMilk]

The bath water wasn't clear after my waterbirth - it was bloody and had meconium in it, as bub pooed as soon as she was born. Having said that i wasn't particulary fussed by it and it wasn't like i was spending ages sitting in it - i had cuddles then hopped out to deliver the placenta. Only negative i can think of is it may not be 'right' for you - not everyone enjoys being in the water. With my second labour (which was so different to my first) i wanted another water birth but the bath wasn't working for me and i felt better out of it.
I loved my water birth though and highly recommend it. :yes:

[Inanna]

Water can slow things down a little but that can be a good thing at times (if labour is feeling a bit intense). I've done it 3 times and would definately recommend it!

[teenie]

There is one negative I can think of, and that is that for some women labouring in water is difficult due to the "floating" and inability to stay grounded. I personally find this a benefit, but I've read birth stories where the woman had to get out of the water to feel properly supported. Also, the water can slow things down, so you need to be prepared to hop out again for a while if that happens.

It can make monitoring and checking progress difficult, but that's a prob for the staff to get over, not the birthing mother. ;)

This was what I was going to say. I was in the water from 6cm dilated with DS. It was wonderful to be in there during transition re - pain management. But i struggled to push as I wasn't grounded and even when I'd brace myself on the side of the spa my bum would float upwards IYKWIM. I tried for an hour - no joy. Ended up getting out and found that I could push much better with my feet planted on the ground.

I was keen to try again for a water birth with DD as everyone kept telling me the pushing would be easier 2nd time around. Lol, she came so quickly there wasn't even time to fill the spa:laughing:.

[Sarahlou]

I have had both my babies in water and to be honest would not consider any other option - largely for pain management/comfort. But I think it's a very personal thing. I just knew that I wanted water available - although until the time I wasn't sure whether I would want to stay in until the end (I did both times). I have wondered whether it slowed things down as I have tended to get in quite early on - just my instinct to seek out warm water I think - and both labours have been a reasonable length. But it's obviously really hard to compare cos birth is so individual.
The really beautiful thing about birthing in water is the gentle entry into the world that the baby experiences. Both mine came out really clean ( I guess the water kind of washes them off a bit!) and peacefully - as opposed to screaming and covered in blood!. I find the water really good for assisting to control the pushing too -which can minimise tearing/grazing.

Infection is generally a non-issue with water so I wouldn't worry.

I think it's great to have water available as an option - you will know when the time comes whether you want to use it and for how long.

[Me&MrMagoo]

the only negative i experienced was when i had to get out i felt soooo incredibly heavy after floating for so long and could hardly hold myself up!! lol

[shell25]

Both my births have been active, natural and intervention free 1 land and 1 water (3 weeks ago ha ha)
The water was amazing and I would highly recommend it; if you feel safe in it during your labor, each to there own IMO.

Things I didn't think about: though know now...

I used the sides of the large tub (DH was in there too) and the side handles to support me in a squat and needed towels on the sides and on the bottom of the tub for grounding/grip.
Arms were rather sore post 30min of this.

DH over heated - (I thought it could be hotter) and needed the Gatorade I had packed!!

My tear this time was only a 1st not a crazy 3rd degree :yelclap: though the pain post this time was more immediately noticeable to me - IMO due to the water and I forgot to close my legs post water delivery.

Water all clear - 3rd stage on land - lucky DH was happy to collect my poo too!! got to love him for that.

Watching a lot of water birth videos helped me not freak when the cord was around her neck and needed unwinding immediately and her color was white and blue on arrival though all pink up after 20min though took longer to pink up then DS did. I blew gently on her face to help with getting her breathing and coughing up a little.

[lizzyplus4]

i had 3 waterbirths and can't imagine doing it any other way.... i quite like getting to hold my baby all nice and clean:D
i can't think of any negatives, tho for me i couldn't have the bath as hot as i wouldv'e liked....

[ck2b]

If you get a waterbirth then there is nothing negative about it-DD was a waterbirth a wonderful experience. With DS I aimed for the same thing but I every time I got in the bath my contractions slowed down-after getting in and out about 3 times, then having a small bleed I had to get out which I found very upsetting and ended up having a land birth. So-they are great if they work but very disappointing of they don't.